More beds, outdoor shelter approved for ‘most vulnerable’ in Hamilton

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Howarth credited the City Council with “rising to the challenge” in approving her plan Wednesday (Sept. 25) for wraparound services and a Temporary Outdoor Shelter in response to the crisis involving the most vulnerable in the community living in tents.

The plan will add 192 beds to Hamilton’s exciting shelter system, a 56 percent increase, and establish an 80-bed Temporary Outdoor Shelter.

The City received feedback from residents and community partners on the need to make the green and public spaces accessible to all while providing what’s needed to help keep the most vulnerable in the community safe.

Howarth believes this marks a “critical turning point” in the response to the current crisis.

“The Encampment Protocol was put in place to manage the difficult reality of people living in tents,” said the Hamilton mayor in a statement. “This plan is the next step a bridge to move folks out of encampments, provide them with wraparound services and shelter, while we build more permanent housing solutions.

“The priority of the new Temporary Outdoor Shelter site is to provide critical wraparound supports like mental health and addictions care and housing services, as well as safe space for people to live.”

Howarth expressed her thanks to City staff for their work in creating what she says is a comprehensive, compassionate plan, and to the community partners for their efforts.

“They will continue to play a key role in the provision of supports and services to the most vulnerable in our community,” she said. “To my Council colleagues, I commend you for rising to the challenge and supporting the transition to a better way forward.”

Howarth added that while it is a pivotal moment, the work does not stop here.

“I will continue to advocate strongly to senior levels of government in order to secure the affordable and supportive housing units that people of Hamilton need and deserve,” she added.